At the end of the second day of Tim Lelito Legacy Camp, the participants finally got the opportunity to show their appreciation for the St. Clair High School graduate and current Tennessee Titans offensive lineman.

One by one, the participants approached Lelito with a smile and an outstretched hand before they left the East China Stadium field.

"It's inspiring to see a player from the area make it to the NFL," Port Huron High School sophomore Develle Galvan said. "It's crazy. I have never seen an NFL player in person. He boosted my confidence and told me I did a good job."

Galvan was joined at the camp by several other participants that were separated into two sessions, one for younger players and the other for high school-aged athletes. Each group went through two days of practices.

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Players go through drills on the East China Stadium turf during the Tim Lelito Legacy Camp.(Photo: Joseph Hayes, Times Herald)

On Tuesday, they focused primarily on offense techniques while mixing in defensive drills the second day.

"Some camps are just one day, but I really wanted to be able to use the time wisely," Lelito said. "I wanted to teach them the fundamentals, the things they would need for the season.

"It's important to teach the right techniques for things like tackling because I would hate to see someone I've coached have a neck or head injury."

The camp drew participants from all across the area and even down to Sterling Heights.

Tyler Williams of St. Clair didn't have to travel as far. He headed out to his home stadium to work with Lelito, a player he has heard much about over the years.

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Tim Lelito talks to campers at the end of the two-day camp at East China Stadium.(Photo: Joseph Hayes, Times Herald)

"It was all about the fundamentals and working with the line," Williams said. "I feel like this will give us more drive. I feel him coming out here to help us is big."

Despite an extremely busy schedule, Lelito was able to still find time for the upcoming generations of players. Later Wednesday evening, Lelito held a fundraiser for his foundation to continue raising money to give back to local athletes.

"When I was their age, this would have been huge for me to see an NFL player," Lelito said. "I hope it helps them and shows them that they can make it.

"It's great coming back here and being out on the field with the kids. I hope they all enjoyed it and have great seasons."

Contact Joseph Hayes at (810) 989-6268 or at jahayes@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @Joseph_Hayes11.